Fixator-Assisted Nailing for Correction of Long Bone Deformities

Many surgical options exist for the correction of long bone deformities. The fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) technique developed by Paley et al combines the accuracy, lack of invasiveness, and adjustability of external fixation with the stability and comfort of internal fixation. A temporary external fixator is applied for acute deformity correction. Once the desired alignment is achieved, an intramedullary nail is placed and locked statically, interference screws are inserted for additional stability, and the fixator is removed during the surgery. This combinatory technique may further be combined with lengthening or arthrodesis procedures.